Chicago boy, 3, bitten in face by possible coyote

A young boy was apparently attacked by a coyote. He was bitten in the face by what he thought was a friendly dog.

November 15, 2013 3:12:55 PM PST

ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Coverage

November 15, 2013 (CHICAGO) --

A 3-year-old boy was hurt after his family says they mistook a coyote for a dog near a park on the city's West Side.

Coyote attacks on humans are rare. They're more a threat to your pets. But Cook County Animal Control officials say four coyotes were captured in Columbus Park after a boy who lives nearby was reported bitten.

Weeks later, the injury still looks bad, but loved ones of 3-year-old Emeil Hawkins say he's going to be OK after he was attacked almost three weeks ago.

"You can see how close it is to the neck, to the eye, to the mouth, to the nose... It could have been a lot worse, but at the same time it was tragic. It's been horrible," said Bryce Kyle, the boyfriend of the boy's mother.

Since being bitten, Emeil's family says he's tested negative for rabies but has had to endure a series of shots as a precaution.

"Let's talk to our children. Let's let them know that these are not the types of animals we want to pet. These are not the types of animals that we want to come around," said Kyle.

Cook County Animal Control says those four coyotes tested negative for rabies. They were eventually euthanized. Officials say never feed a coyote, and if you are approached by one, stand firm, make a loud noise, and they'll usually run away.